Weekly Newsletter
This Week At LOTS: 23-27 Sep 2024
Term 1 | Week 5
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From HoS Desk
From HoS Desk
"Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.” - Aristotle
Dear Parents,
On behalf of not just our teaching faculty but our entire school staff, I would like to thank you for the support and consideration you have accorded them - on the occasion of Teachers' Day.
Yes, there is a lot to be thankful about, a lot of blessings to count, in spite of the challenges we together navigate. The fruits of our joint labour is evident every day in so many little and big ways, in our students. An improved understanding, a more resilient disposition, a better grade, a winning sporting performance, a kinder gesture, a more responsible behavior trait, a burst of newly acquired self belief...I can go on, but you get the drift.
What will live forever are the memories of the little differences we are able to make in the lives of our learners - and for your contribution to that bit of heaven, we are grateful.
Please note that Mr Ryan Zulu has now taken on the Coordinatorship for CP5 and CP6 as well, besides the 3 LS grades. This is to ensure vertical alignment of curriculum progress between upper CP and LS, as CP5 and 6 have stand alone subjects being taught by different teachers, just like LS. This facilitates a smooth transition from CP to LS. This also accords Mr Tommy Lungu the space and time to focus exclusively on theCP1 to CP4 Coordination.
Following the just concluded PTCs and formatives and baseline assessments, a very busy and very visible next one month awaits us. The next few Leadership Camps, the Student Council elections and Investiture Ceremony (7 October), Family Fun Day (12 October), TEDx (17 October) - and then we wind down for a well deserved mid term break.
Over to the specific sections now for domain specific information and insight.
Warm regards,
Shouquot Hussain
Head of School
Principal Academics
Principal Academics
University Placements
The school has employed an experienced University Guidance Counselor Ms Neeta Naidu, who comes with decades of international experience and connections, having sent students to the best universities and colleges across the world (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Europe, SA and more). We had a introductory virtual session with Ms Neeta which was attended by a few parents. If you want to have a one-on-one meeting with Ms Neeta, you may contact Ms Neeta at careercounseling@lusakaoaktree.school and Mr Victor at victor_mwaekwa@lusakaoaktree.school to fix a virtual appointment. Our IGCSE and A Level students will start their meetings with her in groups soon.
Student feedback on curriculum coverage
We would like to know what students are thinking about their learning, what they have enjoyed the most and what was challenging. Please sit with your child, discuss and let your child give input for this questionnaire
Principal Pastoral Care
Principal Pastoral Care
The students' mentorship and well-being program is going on well. Students in the primary section are being mentored by their homeroom teachers. The students in secondary worked with their mentors in small groups and the main topics covered this week are Time Management and Leadership Skills.
Our mentorship program in photos
Pre School
Pre School
Vibrant and agog with growth inducing activities as always, the Early Years children continue to have productive fun as they learn.
One example among many is the unit on seed germination. Students learned by doing, in an active and fun filled manner. The same was applied to all other grade units as well.
The Preschool PTCs were very well attended with more than 95% attendance recorded, When there is dialogue and interaction between parents and teachers, children benefit in so many ways.
Primary School
Primary School
Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC)
Thank you for making our Parent-Teacher Conference week a success! We appreciated your active participation and valuable feedback. Your partnership in education is invaluable, and we look forward to continued collaboration to support your child's growth and success.
Formative Assessments Resume
Next week's schedule:
CP 1&2: Global Perspectives (Mon)
CP 3: Global Perspectives (Mon), French (Tue)
CP 4: French (Mon), Global Perspectives (Tue)
CP 5&6: French (Mon)
Please ensure your child is in school and punctual.
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Theme: planning is the key to achieving our set objectives
Wellbeing & mentoring sessions
Exciting scenes from our meetings this week with our Mentees, for a start, we structured our program as follows;
Monday- Orientation
Tuesday-Goal Setting
Wednesday-Time Management
Thursday-Leadership skills
2. Formative assessments ongoing
We have began our September Formative Assessments and the last papers will be written on 30/09/24 and 1/10/24.
3. Parent Teacher Conference (PTC)
Thank you to all the parents that made it for the PTC meeting physically and online, the feedback you have given helps us to become a better institution.
IGCSE/A Level
IGCSE/A Level
Baseline Exams: A Strong Start to the Academic Year
This past week, our IGCSE and A Level students took their baseline exams, marking the beginning of their academic journey for the year. These exams serve as a valuable tool for both students and teachers, providing insights into each student’s current understanding and identifying areas for growth.
The results from these assessments will help us tailor our teaching strategies, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. We are impressed with the effort and focus demonstrated by the students and are confident that this initial feedback will set a solid foundation for success in the coming months.
Thank you to our teachers for their dedication in preparing the exams, and to our students for their hard work. We look forward to a productive and rewarding academic year ahead.
Parent Teacher Conference
Parent Teacher Conference
This past week, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Upper Secondary Parent-Teacher Conference, a key event on our academic calendar. It was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between school and home, and to ensure that our students are well-supported in their journey toward success.
The atmosphere was vibrant as parents engaged in insightful discussions with teachers, reviewing the academic progress, social development, and overall well-being of their children. These conversations helped shine a spotlight on each student’s unique strengths and areas for improvement, while giving parents a clear understanding of their child’s academic goals for the year.
One of the key themes of the conference was the importance of collaboration and communication between parents, teachers, and students. We believe that a student’s success is best achieved when all three parties work together as a cohesive unit. Whether it’s providing guidance on study habits or offering emotional support, your involvement as parents plays a critical role in shaping the future of your child.
Thank you to all the parents who attended the conference, and for your ongoing commitment to your child's education. We look forward to building on this momentum for the rest of the academic year.
Mentorship Program Weekly Highlights
This week marked an exciting and productive series of activities in our mentorship program, designed to equip students with essential life and leadership skills.
Monday: Orientation
We kicked off the week with a warm orientation session where students were introduced to the program’s objectives and expectations. Mentors and mentees met, laying the foundation for meaningful relationships throughout the year.
Tuesday: Goal Setting
The focus shifted to goal setting, as students learned how to define clear, achievable academic and personal goals. This session helped them align their vision with actionable steps for success.
Wednesday: Time Management
In a hands-on workshop, students explored effective time management strategies. From balancing schoolwork to personal responsibilities, they left with practical tools to optimize their daily routines.
Thursday: Leadership Skills
The week concluded with a dynamic session on leadership, where students developed key leadership traits such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making. The mentors shared their experiences, inspiring students to take on leadership roles both in and outside of school.
It’s been an empowering week, and we look forward to seeing the students apply these skills in their academic and personal lives!
Leadership
Leadership
Student Council Campaigns
This week the school has been colored with different campaign posters. Candidates have tried their best to rally fellow students' support. We look forward to hearing their persuasive speech on Monday. Ballots are set and we are ready for voting day on Tuesday.
Monday 30th September - Candidates speeches
Tuesday 1st October - LOTS goes to the polls (Voting)
Monday 7th October - Inauguration (Investiture) ceremony to welcome 2024/2025 student council.
Mentoring and Wellbeing
Mentoring and Wellbeing
We Would like to encourage parents to ensure children are brought into school on time so they do not miss out on the morning mentoring which is engaging, fun and insightful. Each day we focus on a particular theme. Our weekly rotation themes are as follows;
Monday: Goal Setting and Reflection
Tuesday: Personal Development and Growth
Wednesday: Well-Being Check and Mindfulness
Thursday: Leadership and Team Building
Friday: Academic Mentoring and Peer Support
Sports/ECA
Sports/ECA
The programs are settling down now, as are the students in their respective activities, be it sports or otherwise.
Our first tangible and visible achievement has been in Tennis, where one of our boys - Walusungu Kaonga - reached the semi finals in the under 13 category. Our tennis sessions continue to gain popularity, and we look forward to more victories at ISAZ events.
With the buzz around TEDx, public speaking is also a growing activity at LOTS, with students gearing up for more opportunities in school and beyond. An Inter House debate competition is on the cards.
University Guidance
University Guidance
University Guidance Counselor Engages Parents of IGCSE and A-Level Students
This week, our university guidance counselor Ms. Neeta had the pleasure of meeting with the parents of IGCSE and A-Level students in a highly informative session focused on future academic pathways. The meeting provided an opportunity for the counselor to introduce herself, share her role, and explain the range of support available for students as they prepare for university admissions.
During the session, the counselor discussed important topics such as choosing the right universities, understanding application deadlines, and selecting suitable courses based on individual strengths and career aspirations. She emphasized the importance of early preparation, encouraging both students and parents to begin researching universities and their requirements well in advance.
Parents had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the university application process, scholarship opportunities, and how best to support their children during this critical time.
The university guidance team looks forward to working closely with both students and parents throughout the year, ensuring that each student is well-prepared to make informed decisions about their academic future.
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
Arrival time for students is 7.10 (warm up) and Homeroom mentoring is from 7.20 to 7.40 which is not to be missed.
Students not doing an ECA on a particular day are to either go home after classes, or join the study support hub in the designated rooms (senior/junior), or join the special practices they have stayed back for (School team practice in a sport, TEDx practice etc). No loitering around and no congregating in the canteen area.
Cell phones are not allowed on campus for students. Any student found with one will face consequences as defined by the Student Code of Conduct policy, and the phone will be confiscated.
School Fee
School Fee
Dear LOTS Families,
We strongly urge you to prioritize your child's immediate return to school. Every day of missed classes results in academic loss, which can be challenging to recover from. Consistent attendance is essential to ensure your child does not fall behind in their studies and can fully participate in the school community.
Kind Regards,
Lusaka Oaktree School
Urgent Notice- Immediate Return to School for Term 1.pdf
Immediate Settlement of Term 1 School Fees.pdfKey Dates
Key Dates
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
Key Contacts at Lusaka Oaktree School
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